Comparison of Trump and Harris Administration Records: Analysis of Perception vs. Reality | US News
Some Americans are already voting for their next president and, according to polls, the economy and immigration are top concerns for many. Voters currently favor Donald Trump over Kamala Harris as the best person to handle both issues, but Harris has been closing the gap recently.
The economy
In a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll in early September, Trump had a 15-point lead on the economy. However, more recent polling has shown a narrower single-digit lead. Real wages increased by 7% during Trump’s presidency, with earnings consistently outpacing inflation, especially during the pandemic. On the other hand, under Joe Biden and Harris, real wage growth has not been as strong, falling nearly 4% by mid-2022.
Petrol prices are also a significant issue, with prices rising under Biden and Harris, reaching nearly $5 per gallon. Trump’s administration kept petrol prices relatively low, under $3 per gallon. Factors outside their control, such as the global energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have played a role in these price increases.
“Economists note that unemployment has fallen and the economy is growing stronger, which is reflected in wage growth. However, some people feel worse off now,” explains Professor Shaun Bowler of the University of California Riverside.
Immigration
Harris is also facing challenges on the immigration front, with Trump consistently leading in polls as the candidate voters trust to manage immigration. Harris has been criticized for her handling of immigration issues, especially since she was tasked by Biden to address the root causes of migration from Central America. Trump’s hardline rhetoric and policies, such as the border wall and Title 42, have resonated with many voters.
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